The World Cup’s 13 best kits – and where England rank

There will be no shortage of kits on show at the World Cup this summer with 48 nations competing in North America.

That makes for 48 home kits, 48 away, and don’t get forget those teams with a third kit as well. Not to mention the goalkeeper jerseys.

But which nation has the best kit at the World Cup? Let’s take a look at the top 13. And no, I haven’t been paid by adidas to make this list – they’ve just played an absolute blinder…

13. Mexico home

In at 13 are co-hosts Mexico, who should open the World Cup with this belter of a home kit when taking on South Africa on 11 June.

12. South Africa away

Speaking of Bafana Bafana, this is a beauty of a kit and the start of where you realise I have a soft spot for the adidas Trefoil.

11. England away

It is a safe choice from England but the red is deeper than normal, and when combined with the central badge and Nike logo it makes for a clean look. It is difficult to make out but the subtle pattern makes the whole shirt a play on the Three Lions badge.

10. Brazil home

Why sure it’s basically the England home kit but yellow and green instead, but that’s what makes it better, and there are few more iconic sights at the World Cup than Brazil in their home kit playing some ludicrous football that only sometimes pays off.

9. France home 

The white collar and two-tone blue will look great when France maybe/probably lift the World Cup trophy on 19 July.

8. South Korea away

Some may argue this should be higher. It’s bold, it’s violet, and in classic kit jargon speak the floral pattern evokes South Korea’s ability to combine beauty with aggression. Apparently.

7. Scotland away

Oh she is a belter, different from the rest. Not my words, but Gerry Cinnamon’s.

6. USA home

Fair play. It is easy to trash talk the co-hosts but the home kit is nothing but net. A slam dunk from Nike. A home run. A touchdown. A, er, great football goal.

5. Spain away

We are now getting into very, very good territory. The trim is glorious and the floral off-white look has meant I’ve bumped this up each time I’ve looked at it. Sorry to Scotland and USA.

4. Norway home

The kit is the flag. And it is brilliant. That is all. Next.

3. Germany home

The best-placed home kit in this list has to go to Germany. It is a nod to past kits but expertly executed. That’s how to use your flag colours to perfection.

2. Japan away

It’s just blummin’ marvellous. The contrast of the black trims, Trefoil, badge and number against the coloured pinstripes. Shut up and take my money.

1. Curacao away

It had to be. In their first World Cup, Curacao have an away kit for the ages. Expect to see it worn at that hipster bar near you, and if adidas are reading, in the post on the way to my house. I’m a large, thanks. DM me. Seriously. Please.